Election Judge Poll Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Johnson County Precinct Election Official (PEO / Poll Worker)!

Completing this online application is the first step to becoming a PEO. The Auditor's Office will review your application and determine if your interests align with our current needs. If so, you will be contacted via email to discuss timing and next steps.

If you have difficulty completing this application, please contact mnorthup@johnsoncountyiowa.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I needed?
Johnson County is committed to conducting fair and impartial elections that are well organized and professionally staffed. This would be impossible without hundreds of dedicated Precinct Election Officials (PEOs) who serve on Election Day and provide other forms of election support.

Am I eligible?
Yes, if you:

• Are registered to vote in Johnson County;

• Can follow detailed instructions;

• Are reliable and punctual;

• Enjoy working with and assisting others;

• Able to attend paid training sessions (some sessions may be virtual);

• Able to endure a 14+ hour work day with prolonged standing;

• Have reliable means of transportation to and from the work location;

• Have the willingness and ability to learn; and

• Basic computer/tablet skills desired.

• Are at least 17 years of age.

Are students not yet registered to vote eligible?

Yes, if you:

• Are at least 17 years of age.

• Are a student in "good standing" at an Iowa public or private secondary school.

• Are receiving credit in at least four subjects and passing all coursework.

• Have the written approval of the school's principal.

• Have the written approval of your parent/guardian.

When would I be needed?
Voting precincts must be fully staffed for all elections held in the county (Primary, General, City & School, and Special Elections)

• There is always an election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, and on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in June of even-numbered years. There also tend to be several special elections every year.

• While you should generally be available to help on and around election dates, please keep in mind that applying to be a PEO does not require you to accept an assignment. Conversely, being hired as a PEO does not guarantee you an assignment in any given election.

• Early voting work is available in the 20 days before an election. Election day is 14+ hours until dismissed. Limited half-day schedules are available. All workers will need to provide their own transportation as well as food and beverages for the day.

How much would I be paid?

Precinct Election Officials are compensated at a pay rate of $17.25/hour, with time and a half after 8 hours in a single day.Pay rate is subject to Board approval annually. Mileage follows the Federal Rate and changes annually.No additional benefits.

• PEOs receive payment for hours and mileage to and from training and voting sites.

• Expect to receive a check in the mail about a month after the election.

What would I be doing?
There are a number of tasks Precinct Election Officials can do to help with Elections:

• Working polling locations on Election Day, which may include:

• • Setting up and tearing down precinct materials, including tables/chairs, computer equipment, and signage;

  • Checking in voters using an e-pollbook;

  • Administering ballots and instructions; or

  • Assisting voters at the ballot tabulator

• Working at the Auditor's Office or satellite voting locations before Election Day

• Opening and processing absentee ballots (begins the day before Election Day)

• Assisting voters in health care facilities before and during Election Day

What training would be provided?

Johnson County Elections provides comprehensive training for poll workers. Poll workers are required to complete a 2-hour course on the voter check-in system and a 2-hour course on other election processes before each election. Training is subject to vary depending on the election. Election workers must be willing and able to attend all training sessions before each election they are assigned to work. Poll workers are paid for all completed training.

Would I be guaranteed to work?
No. Larger elections require more workers than small elections. Iowa state law requires us to maintain a balance of political parties at all polling locations. When we make assignments, we must balance political parties, experience, predicted turnout, availability, and preferences.

Additional questions?

For more information, please contact the Auditor's Office directly at: (319) 356-6004 or email elections@johnsoncountyiowa.gov.

Johnson County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer.